Rules for applying sector specific competence criteria and granting an accreditation are harmonised by regional and international accreditation organisations, such as EA (European co-operation for Accreditation), IAF (International Accreditation Forum), and ILAC (International Laboratory Accreditation Cooperation). By mutual recognition arrangements within these organisations, conformity assessment bodies benefit from recognition of their accredited status as well as their results within the scope of their accreditation.

Accreditation is deemed to be the preferred means of demonstrating the technical competence of conformity assessment bodies in the European Union (see Regulation (EC) No 765/2008 for accreditation and market surveillance relating to the marketing of products).

Likewise, an accreditation can be required for various official authorisations of bodies to provide conformity assessment services as well as for contractors.

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As part of the 2017 cybersecurity strategy, the European Commission (EC) published a regulation proposal for the “EU Cybersecurity Agency” and the “Cybersecurity Act” in September 2017. VdTÜV welcomes the objective the EC is pursuing with this legislative initiative: Strengthening trust in the security of products and ensuring a higher level of cybersecurity through a consistent framework for the certification of IoT products.

National fee structures and a modified contractual relationship are not subject to the independence of the technical services. There is no causal link between the software manipulation of individual vehicle manufacturers and the objectivity of the technical services.